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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left in him.