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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.