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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.