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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

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

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.