Exceptional Ford Pivotal to Beating New Zealand

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.