🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit 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 fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin 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 position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.