Exceptional Ford Central to Beating the Kiwis

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.