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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

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

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.