Outstanding George Ford Crucial to Defeating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, 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 yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.