🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

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

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.