Phenomenal Ford Pivotal to Beating the Kiwis

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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.