Exceptional George Ford Central to Beating New Zealand
The fly-half position went to Ford to open facing the Kiwis instead of Marcus Smith and Fin Smith.
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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.
The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.
After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.
He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.
The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.
The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.
This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.
"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.
"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].
"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.
"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him on our team."
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Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'
In 2024, Ford's failed attempts in kicking were expensive as the team was defeated against the Kiwis - but it was a contrasting result on Saturday.
The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.
"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.
"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 found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.
"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."
Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.
Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.
"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.
"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."
Ford directed his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.
His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.
After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.
However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.
England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.
Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.
Associated subjects
- English Rugby
- Rugby Union
