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

He was called upon from the bench to assist England secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.