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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.