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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.