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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

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

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.