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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

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

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.