🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead in him.