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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.