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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

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

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.