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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.