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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

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

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.