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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.