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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.