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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

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

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

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.