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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.