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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.