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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

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

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.