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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.