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

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.