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

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed 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, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, 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'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.