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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.