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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.