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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

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

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

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

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

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

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.