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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

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

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.