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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

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

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so because three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.