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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.