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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.