Exceptional Ford Central to Beating New Zealand

During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.