Outstanding Ford Pivotal to Beating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.