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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.