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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.