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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.