Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Overcoming All Blacks

In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity 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 versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.