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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

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