Outstanding George Ford Pivotal to Overcoming New Zealand

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.