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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.