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

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

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

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.