Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Defeating New Zealand

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist England close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.