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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.