Exceptional George Ford Pivotal to Defeating New Zealand

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

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

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.