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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive 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, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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 handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.