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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England secure a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

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

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.