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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.