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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

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

His characteristic 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 handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.