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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

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

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

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

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.