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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.