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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England complete a famous win against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.