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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of play."

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

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.