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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.