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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England complete a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.