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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks 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 as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead for him.