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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.