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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.