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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

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

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

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win 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 came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.