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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.