🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.