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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.