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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.