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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

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

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

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

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.