Outstanding Ford Central to Defeating New Zealand

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.