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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.