Phenomenal George Ford Crucial to Defeating New Zealand

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

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

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.