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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.