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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

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

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.