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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.