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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.