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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.