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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

After beginning England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.