🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.