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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.