🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.