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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game 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 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.