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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.