Outstanding George Ford Central to Defeating All Blacks

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead in him.