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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room 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 convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

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

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.