🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.