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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.