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

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.