🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour 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 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

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

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.