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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.