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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England secure an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on 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, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks 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 repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.