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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.