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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

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 but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped 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 once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright 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 fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.