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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method 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 good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.