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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

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

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.