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

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

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 help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations the best."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.