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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.