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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.