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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks 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 once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.