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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.