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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post 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 privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.