Exceptional Ford Crucial to Overcoming the Kiwis

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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.