Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Beating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.