Phenomenal Ford Crucial to Defeating New Zealand

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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.