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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead within him.