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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to support the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.