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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford said.

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

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

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