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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere 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 recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

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

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.