Phenomenal George Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.