🔗 Share this article

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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

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

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.