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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

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

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.