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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.