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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

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 had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.