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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England 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 comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

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

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.