🔗 Share this article

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

The two attempts happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit 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] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.