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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post 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 fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

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