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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

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

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.