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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.