Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Overcoming New Zealand

During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.