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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.