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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.