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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.