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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.