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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.