Phenomenal George Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late 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 earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

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

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.