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

He was called upon from the bench to help England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.