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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.