🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.