🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

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