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

He was called upon as a substitute to help England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old 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 support England to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.