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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.