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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist England secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.