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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.