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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.