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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

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

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.