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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.