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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

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 after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left within him.