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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.