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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help England to a first win over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

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

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

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

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.