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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

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

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.