Outstanding Ford Pivotal to Beating the Kiwis

In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [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, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.