🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead in him.