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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA 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 through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.