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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.