Outstanding George Ford Central to Defeating All Blacks

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.