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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.