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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.