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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, 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 back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford stated.

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

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.