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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.