🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.