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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.