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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

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