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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to help England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

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

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.