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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.