🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.