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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.