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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.