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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the home side close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.