Outstanding Ford Pivotal to Beating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while 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 by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

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

"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 in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

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

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.