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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

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

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.