Exceptional Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.