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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.