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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.