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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.