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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

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

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.