Exceptional George Ford Central to Overcoming the Kiwis

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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.