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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 secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short in a close contest.

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

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part 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 compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.