Outstanding Ford Crucial to Defeating All Blacks

In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.