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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

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

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.