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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.