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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.