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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

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

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.