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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

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