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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try 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."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.