Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Overcoming New Zealand

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.