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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"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 privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.