Exceptional George Ford Crucial to Beating the Kiwis

Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

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

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.