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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

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