Exceptional George Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, 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-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.