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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist England close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament 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 Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.