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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.