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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

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

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn 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 career ahead within him.