England 33-19 New Zealand: George Ford central to famous win over All Blacks
In a significant rugby match in November 2024, England's fly-half George Ford played a pivotal role in defeating the All Blacks 33-19, marking England's first home victory over New Zealand since 2012. After struggling in a previous encounter where he missed crucial kicks, Ford's strong performance in this match, including two key drop-goals, helped England recover from a 12-point deficit. His leadership and experience contributed to the team's momentum, backed by a solid bench performance. This win reflects England's growing confidence, as they pursue their tenth consecutive victory and prepare for an upcoming match against Argentina. The outlook for Ford and the team remains positive as they build towards future competitions.
Dive Deeper:
George Ford's selection to start against New Zealand came after impressive performances during the summer tour, particularly while other key players were on Lions duty, showcasing his resilience and skill.
In the match, England trailed 12-0 early on due to tries from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor, but Ford's two drop-goals right before half-time shifted the momentum in favor of England.
Head coach Steve Borthwick praised Ford for his game management and leadership, stating he is a phenomenal player and an invaluable member of the squad.
Ford's experience was highlighted by his execution of drop-goals, a skill he has practiced extensively, having previously achieved a similar feat in a win against Argentina during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Ford temporarily lost the starting fly-half position to Fin Smith after starting against Australia, but the victory over New Zealand solidified his role in the team's strategy moving forward.
England's victory extended their winning streak to ten matches, indicating a significant turnaround for the team as they prepare for their next challenge against Argentina on November 23.
The match illustrated Ford's ability to adapt and perform under pressure, essential traits as England gears up for future international competitions as they aim for success in the approaching World Cup.