🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.