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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.