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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

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

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.