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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during 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 in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.