Outstanding Ford Pivotal to Defeating All Blacks

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.