Exceptional Ford Crucial to Beating All Blacks

During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.