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

He was called upon from the bench to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.