🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player 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 England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

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

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.