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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.