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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.