Phenomenal George Ford Central to Defeating New Zealand

During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck 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 fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

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

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

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