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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.