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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.