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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.