Exceptional George Ford Pivotal to Beating the Kiwis
Ford earned the starting role to begin facing the Kiwis over Fin Smith and Marcus Smith.
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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 hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.
After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.
He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.
The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.
The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.
It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.
"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.
"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].
"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.
"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him on our team."
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Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'
Back in 2024, Ford's failed attempts from the tee were expensive as the team was defeated to New Zealand - but it was a contrasting result in the recent game.
The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building 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 three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.
"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.
"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.
"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.
"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."
Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.
Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.
"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.
"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."
Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.
His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.
Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.
Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.
The English team, now on a run of 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.
Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.
Associated subjects
- English Rugby
- Rugby Union
