🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.