Ford banishes memories to plot All Blacks' downfall

GEORGE Ford was acclaimed by head coach Steve Borthwick after England’s match-winner sent New Zealand crashing to a 33-19 defeat at Allianz Stadium.

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George Ford makes a break against New Zealand

(Picture: Getty Images)

England registered their first victory over the All Blacks at Twickenham since 2012 with Ford directing operations in a man-of-the-match performance 12 months after he struggled in the same fixture.

The Sale fly-half missed a late penalty and drop-goal that would have sealed New Zealand's fate in 2024, but on this occasion he finished with a 13-point haul and provided the generalship his team needed.

“George is a brilliant player, an outstanding leader and an even better person,” said Borthwick. “I have been privileged to work with him for a period of time.

“I know you like to talk about 12 months ago and the ball hitting a post, but he came on 12 months ago and played really well as he always does for England.