George Ford's unwavering mentality and flawless kicking performance have cemented his status as England's premier fly-half, following a commanding 33-19 win against New Zealand.
The Boot That Guided England to Victory
Ford's precision with the boot proved decisive in England's triumph at the weekend. The fly-half slotted two nerveless drop goals during the first half, keeping the hosts firmly in contention when the game was in the balance. His tactical kicking formed the backbone of England's aerial strategy, consistently pinning back the All Blacks and building crucial scoreboard pressure.
A Leader Defined by Relentless Standards
Long-time teammate Tom Curry, who has played alongside Ford at both Sale Sharks and for England, pinpointed the player's character as the key to his resurgence. According to Curry, Ford's philosophy of 'never settling' and 'always wanting more' sets him apart as an authentic leader.
"What sets him apart as a leader from a lot of other people, is that what he says reflects exactly with what he does," Curry explained. "He never settles and he always wants more. You know that is coming from a good place as that reflects his personal values."
Curry also highlighted Ford's communication skills, noting his ability to articulate complex points with a clarity that resonates with both new caps and century-making veterans. Ford earned his 100th cap for England during the summer, and his influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Sale Sharks' Influence on England's Success
The club connection proved vital, with fellow Sale player Tom Roebuck also making a significant impact. The wing sealed the victory by gathering a kick from debutant Henry Pollock to score England's final try.
Curry expressed his pride in Roebuck's seamless transition to international rugby. "He just looks at home in that England shirt," Curry said. "It just looks natural to him, everything looks very easy, which is unsurprising as physically he is so gifted."
Beyond the match, Curry was speaking to promote the Allianz Kickstart Programme, an initiative designed to introduce primary school children to rugby through a six-lesson plan. He emphasised the sport's importance in teaching resilience and teamwork, stating, "You learn a lot about yourself, how to interact as a team and rely on other people. That is such an important skill."
