🔗 Share this article

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

He was called upon from the bench to help England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had 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 feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.