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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a first win over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.