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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

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

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.