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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.