Outstanding Ford Central to Overcoming New Zealand

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

He was called upon as a substitute to support England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.