Phenomenal Ford Central to Beating the Kiwis
George Ford was selected to open facing the Kiwis instead of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith.
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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.
He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.
After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.
He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.
At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.
The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.
It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.
"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.
"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].
"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.
"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."
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Drop-goals 'always in the plan'
In 2024, Ford's failed attempts from the tee were expensive as the team was defeated by the All Blacks - but it was a different story in the recent game.
New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.
"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.
"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.
"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.
"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."
Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.
Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.
"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.
"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of play."
Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.
His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.
After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.
But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.
The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.
Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.
Associated subjects
- National Team
- Rugby Union
