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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.