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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

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

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

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

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.