Phenomenal Ford Central to Beating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

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

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.