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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.