🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.