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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.