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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

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

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.