Phenomenal George Ford Crucial to Beating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post 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 fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.