🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.