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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed 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's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.