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

He was called upon as a substitute to support the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.