Outstanding George Ford Crucial to Defeating the Kiwis

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods 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 said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

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

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.