🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

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

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.