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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.