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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.