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

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.