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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of play."

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

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.