Exceptional George Ford Pivotal to Overcoming the Kiwis
George Ford was selected to open against New Zealand instead of the Smith alternatives.
- Released recently
- Seven comments
During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.
Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.
After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.
He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.
The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.
The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.
It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.
"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.
"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].
"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.
"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."
- England overcome the Kiwis for 10th straight win
- How Twickenham learned to appreciate tactical kicking and Borthwick
- England recover to secure historic victory versus the Kiwis
Drop-goals 'always in the plan'
During 2024, Ford's failed attempts in kicking were expensive as the team was defeated against the Kiwis - but it was a different story on Saturday.
New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.
"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.
"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.
"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.
"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments most effectively."
Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.
Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.
"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.
"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."
Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.
His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.
Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.
Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.
The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.
Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.
Connected themes
- English Rugby
- Rugby Union
