Phenomenal Ford Crucial to Beating All Blacks

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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own 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."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.