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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed 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 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.