Outstanding George Ford Central to Overcoming New Zealand

Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, 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, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.