🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England 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 the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.