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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap 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 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.