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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

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

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.