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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

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

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.