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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

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

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.