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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.