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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.