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

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.