Phenomenal George Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.