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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining within him.