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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.