Outstanding Ford Central to Beating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

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

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.