Exceptional Ford Central to Defeating All Blacks

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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.