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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

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

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.