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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 help the home side complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

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

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.