Outstanding Ford Central to Beating All Blacks
George Ford was selected to open facing the Kiwis over Marcus Smith and Fin Smith.
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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.
Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by two points.
In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort 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, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.
The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.
The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.
It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.
"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.
"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].
"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.
"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."
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Drop-goals 'always in the plan'
In 2024, Ford's failed attempts in kicking were expensive as the team was defeated to New Zealand - however it proved an alternate outcome in the recent game.
The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.
Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.
"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.
"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.
"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.
"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."
Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.
Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.
"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.
"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of competition."
Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.
His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.
After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.
However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.
England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.
Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead within him.
Associated subjects
- English Rugby
- The Sport
