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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.