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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.