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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, 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 among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.