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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.