Phenomenal George Ford Central to Beating New Zealand

During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.