Outstanding Ford Crucial to Overcoming the Kiwis

During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.