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

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

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

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.