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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 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 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.