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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.