Outstanding George Ford Pivotal to Overcoming All Blacks

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

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

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.