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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.