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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.