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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

It helped 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 in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

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 an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.