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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.