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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

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

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

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

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.