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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

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

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

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