🔗 Share this article

During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.