Outstanding Ford Central to Beating the Kiwis

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.