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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to help the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.