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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

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