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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.