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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

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

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.