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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.