Outstanding George Ford Central to Defeating All Blacks

In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.