Outstanding George Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, 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 in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

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

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.