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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

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

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

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

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.