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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.