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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.