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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.