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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

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

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead in him.