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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.