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

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

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

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.