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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

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

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.