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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own 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 superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.