Phenomenal Ford Crucial to Defeating the Kiwis

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England complete a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

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 assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.