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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 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 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.