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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.