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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.