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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

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

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.