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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.