🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

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 impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.