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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.