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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.