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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.