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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

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

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.