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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

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