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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.