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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help England complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English 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 support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

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

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, 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 seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.