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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

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

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit 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 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

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

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

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.