Phenomenal George Ford Central to Defeating New Zealand
George Ford was selected to begin versus the All Blacks over Fin Smith and Marcus Smith.
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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.
Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.
Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.
His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.
At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.
The decisive instant came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.
This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.
"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.
"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].
"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.
"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."
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Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'
During 2024, Ford's failed attempts from the tee proved costly as the team was defeated by the All Blacks - however it proved a different story on Saturday.
The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.
After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.
"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.
"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.
"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.
"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."
Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.
Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.
"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.
"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of play."
Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.
His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.
After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.
Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.
The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.
Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.
Associated subjects
- England Rugby Union
- Rugby Union
