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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.