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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.