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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

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

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.