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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

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

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.