Exceptional Ford Crucial to Overcoming New Zealand
George Ford was selected to open versus the All Blacks ahead of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith.
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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.
Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.
In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.
He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.
The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.
The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.
This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.
"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.
"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].
"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.
"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."
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Drop-goals 'always in the plan'
In 2024, Ford's failed attempts from the tee came at a price as the team was defeated by the All Blacks - but it was an alternate outcome during the match.
The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.
"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.
"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.
"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.
"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."
Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.
Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.
"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.
"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."
Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.
His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.
After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.
But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.
The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.
Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.
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