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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon from the bench to support England secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.