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

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

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

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.