Phenomenal Ford Central to Overcoming All Blacks

During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.