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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.