Outstanding Ford Central to Beating All Blacks

In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

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

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

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

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

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.