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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

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

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.