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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

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

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

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

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

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.