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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.