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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to help England close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

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

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.