Outstanding George Ford Central to Beating All Blacks

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.