Phenomenal George Ford Pivotal to Overcoming All Blacks

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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright 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 honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.