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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 support the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.