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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

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

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.