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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

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

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.