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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.