Phenomenal George Ford Crucial to Overcoming the Kiwis

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.