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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

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

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.