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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

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

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

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

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.