🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent 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 versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.