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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.