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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

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

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.