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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.