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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 assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.