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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard 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 impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.