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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.