Imagine the crushing weight of disappointment, the roar of the crowd fading to a dull hum as you realize you might have just cost your team the game. That was George Ford's reality in November 2024. But his story, England's story, is one of redemption, culminating in a stunning victory over the All Blacks. Buckle up, because it's a rollercoaster!
Back then, at the Allianz Stadium, Ford, brought on as a substitute to seal a momentous win against New Zealand, faced a nightmare scenario. He missed a crucial late penalty and a drop-goal (https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c789j9pzdyno), handing the All Blacks a heartbreaking two-point victory. The pressure must have been immense. Can you imagine the self-doubt creeping in?
Following those high-profile misses, the road back to delivering glory for England was anything but smooth for Ford. He saw limited action during the Six Nations, playing just 25 minutes. But here's where the narrative shifts: he didn't give up. A series of impressive performances, particularly during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States—while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away with the British and Irish Lions—propelled him back into contention for a starting spot. It's a testament to his dedication and resilience. Think about it: many players might have crumbled under that pressure.
And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about individual brilliance. It was about repaying the faith that coach Steve Borthwick had placed in him. Ford, now 32 and a seasoned playmaker for Sale Sharks, didn't just start against the All Blacks; he delivered a man-of-the-match performance, orchestrating England's first home victory against New Zealand since 2012 (https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cg5194l2qy5o). This wasn't just a win; it was a statement.
The game's turning point arrived with laser-like precision: Ford nailing back-to-back drop-goals right before halftime. Talk about clutch! This single moment changed the entire complexion of the match.
Those two perfectly executed kicks helped England claw their way back from a daunting 12-0 deficit to trail by a single point, 12-11, at the interval. Then, Borthwick unleashed his star-studded bench in the second half, adding further firepower and ultimately securing a comfortable 33-19 victory. It was a complete team effort, but Ford's leadership and composure were undeniable.
"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told BBC Sport, highlighting Ford's pivotal role. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly."
Borthwick also reflected on Ford's previous performance against New Zealand a year prior, saying, "Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand]. A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well."
He continued, emphasizing Ford's character, "He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to have him in our squad." High praise indeed!
The All Blacks initially stormed ahead, establishing a 12-point lead with tries from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor. But England refused to buckle. Ollie Lawrence's powerful try, followed by Ford's quick-fire drop-goals, swung the momentum firmly in the home side's favor as they headed into the changing rooms.
"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained. His words reveal the mental fortitude required at the highest level.
He added, "We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position. Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well. I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."
Both of Ford's crucial drop-goals came within a mere two minutes of each other. The fly-half, who also nailed three drop-goals in a victory against Argentina (https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/66765159) during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showcased the wealth of experience gleaned from his 104 international caps. It's clear that this isn't just luck; it's a honed skill.
Consider this: Ford even hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Premiership game (https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c98dm06yl30o) played in difficult conditions at Bath. He's not just good at drop-goals; he practices them religiously.
"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford revealed. "Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of the game." This demonstrates the strategic thinking and attention to detail that Borthwick brings to the team.
Throughout the game, Ford expertly directed his team around the field, utilizing intelligent kicking—both to contest possession and to exploit space behind the All Blacks' defensive line. And let's not forget his signature 'spiral bomb,' which completely flummoxed Beauden Barrett, resulting in a costly error. It's those little moments of brilliance that can make all the difference.
After starting in England's victory over Australia on November 1st, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the subsequent match against Fiji a week later. But the biggest test, at least on paper, was against the three-time world champions, and Ford was back in the starting lineup.
Now, with England riding a wave of momentum with 10 consecutive wins, they face Argentina on November 23rd. The burning question is: will Borthwick revert to Fin Smith, or will he stick with the in-form Ford? This is a decision that will undoubtedly spark debate among fans and pundits alike.
But here's the bottom line: whichever decision Borthwick makes, Ford has unequivocally proven that, with two years to go until the next World Cup, he still has plenty to offer England. He has demonstrated resilience, skill, and leadership, silencing any doubters who might have questioned his place in the squad.
So, what do you think? Should Borthwick stick with Ford, or give Smith another chance? Is experience more valuable than youthful exuberance in a crucial match? And what does this victory mean for England's chances at the next World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
