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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help England secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin 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 decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

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

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

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.