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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.