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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.