Outstanding George Ford Crucial to Beating New Zealand

During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.