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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, 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 yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.