Phenomenal George Ford Pivotal to Defeating the Kiwis

In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.