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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.