The fly-half position went to Ford to open facing the Kiwis ahead of Marcus Smith and Fin Smith.
In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.
He was called upon off the sidelines to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.
After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.
His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.
The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.
The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.
It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.
"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.
"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].
"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.
"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him in our squad."
Back in 2024, Ford's misses with the boot were expensive as the team was defeated by the All Blacks - however it proved a different story during the match.
The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.
After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.
"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.
"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.
"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.
"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."
Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.
Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.
"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.
"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."
Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.
His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.
Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.
However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.
The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.
Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.
Elara is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and entrepreneurship.
