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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.