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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.