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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.