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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

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

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.