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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.