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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

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

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue 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 ample opportunity of career ahead for him.