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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with 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 continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.