Exceptional Ford Pivotal to Defeating All Blacks
The fly-half position went to Ford to begin versus the All Blacks instead of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith.
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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.
He was called upon from the bench to support the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.
In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.
He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.
The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.
The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed 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 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.
"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.
"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].
"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.
"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."
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Drop-goals 'always in the plan'
During 2024, the player's errors in kicking were expensive as the team was defeated to New Zealand - but it was an alternate outcome in the recent game.
The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.
"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.
"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.
"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.
"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."
Both kicks came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.
Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.
"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.
"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."
Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.
His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.
Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.
However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.
The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.
Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.
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