Phenomenal Ford Central to Beating New Zealand

In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

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

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.