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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.