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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.