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During 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 against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

Each effort came within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.