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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

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

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 help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.