Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Defeating New Zealand

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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.