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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.