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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.