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

He was called upon from the bench to support the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.