Exceptional Ford Central to Defeating All Blacks

In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

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