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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

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

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations the best."

The two attempts happened within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.