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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.