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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.