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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.