🔗 Share this article

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

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.