Exceptional George Ford Pivotal to Defeating New Zealand

During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

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

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.