🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.