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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.