Phenomenal Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, 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, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.