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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed 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, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part 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 said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.