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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

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

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.