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

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.