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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.