🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, 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 achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

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

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.