Exceptional Ford Pivotal to Overcoming All Blacks

During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.