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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.