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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.