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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

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

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

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

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.