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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, 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 was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.