🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

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

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.