Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Overcoming the Kiwis

During November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.