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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.