🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.