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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

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

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.