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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, 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 yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

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

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.