The fly-half position went to Ford to start against New Zealand instead of the Smith alternatives.
Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.
The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.
In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for England.
His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.
The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.
The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.
This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.
"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.
"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].
"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.
"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."
During 2024, Ford's misses in kicking were expensive when England fell against the Kiwis - however it proved a different story in the recent game.
New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.
Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.
"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.
"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.
"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.
"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."
Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.
Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus 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 since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."
Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.
His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.
After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.
But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.
The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.
Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.
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