Outstanding George Ford Crucial to Defeating New Zealand

In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.