🔗 Share this article

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.