🔗 Share this article

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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.