Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Beating the Kiwis

In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - 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 crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.