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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.