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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.