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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game 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 after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.