Phenomenal George Ford Crucial to Defeating All Blacks

During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.