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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side 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 the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.