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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times 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 explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.