Phenomenal Ford Pivotal to Defeating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

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

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.