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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.