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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

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

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.