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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

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

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Each effort came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

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