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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

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

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.