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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

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

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.