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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

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

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments the best."

The two attempts happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.