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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.