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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to support England complete a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead in him.