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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support the home side complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

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

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

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