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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.