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

He was called upon from the bench to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.