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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.