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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.