🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.