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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.