Exceptional Ford Pivotal to Defeating New Zealand

In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.