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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated 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 against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

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

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

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.