Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Defeating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help England secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.