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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.