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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.