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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.