🔗 Share this article

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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus 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, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.