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

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.