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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, 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 since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead within him.