Phenomenal George Ford Crucial to Overcoming New Zealand

During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.