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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.