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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.