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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.