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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened during the match.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.