Exceptional Ford Central to Defeating All Blacks

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.