England 33-19 New Zealand: George Ford leads famous victory over the All Blacks

The All Blacks started fast at Allianz Stadium, racing to a 12-point lead with tries from Leicester Faingananuko and Cody Taylor.

After Ollie Lawrence’s powerful goal, Ford’s successive goals helped the home team bounce back into the changing rooms with full momentum.

“The tough thing in those moments is that when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we think is the best way to play the game,” Ford said.

“We got back into the swing of things and realized that if we started the second half well, with the bench in place, we would be in a good position.

“Even 15 minutes before the end of the game, we ended up on our home line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

“I think that’s the test of rugby – who can handle those moments better.”

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other, with the midfielder, who scored three goals in the win over Argentina in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showing all his experience in 104 international matches.

Ford scored two disallowed goals in a Prem match played in difficult conditions in Bath – a skill he practices well.

“He-she [the drop-goals] “It’s always in the plan,” Ford added.

“Steve is such a great coach that he’s always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are valuable at any stage of the game.”

Ford organized his team brilliantly across the pitch throughout the match, kicking intelligently – both to contest and to find space behind the visiting pitch.

His signature “snail bomb” also fooled Euden Barrett, who failed to regroup.

After starting England’s win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed the No. 10 jersey to Finn Smith for Fiji’s win a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this fall came against the three-time world champions, as Ford regained his place.

England, now on a 10-game winning streak, face Argentina on November 23 and it will be interesting to see whether Borthwick returns to Finn Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever decision is made, Ford proved two years before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.