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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

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

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.