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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

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

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.