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

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, 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 knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.