The fly-half position went to Ford to begin versus the All Blacks ahead of the Smith alternatives.
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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.
He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.
After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort 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 impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.
At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.
The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.
This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.
"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.
"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].
"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.
"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him on our team."
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Drop-goals 'always in the plan'
During 2024, the player's errors with the boot were expensive when England fell to New Zealand - but it was a different story during the match.
New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.
"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.
"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.
"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.
"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."
Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.
Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.
"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.
"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."
Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.
His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.
Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.
Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.
England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.
Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.
Associated subjects
- National Team
- Competition
