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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.