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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.