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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

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 however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed exceptionally 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, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

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