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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-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 the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.