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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England lost by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.