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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.