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

He was called upon as a substitute to support England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.