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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.