Phenomenal Ford Central to Overcoming New Zealand

In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.