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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

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

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.