Phenomenal George Ford Central to Beating New Zealand

During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to help England close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.