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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.