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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

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