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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down 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 decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.