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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

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

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.