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

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.