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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.