🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team 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 versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.