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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.