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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the home side complete a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.