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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.