Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Defeating the Kiwis

During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.