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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.