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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.