Exceptional Ford Central to Defeating New Zealand

In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.