🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short 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.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.