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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as 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, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.