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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

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

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.