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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

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

His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.