Exceptional George Ford Central to Overcoming New Zealand

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

He was called upon from the bench to assist England complete a famous win against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.