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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.