Outstanding Ford Central to Overcoming New Zealand

Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 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 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.