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

He was called upon from the bench to assist the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Following his start in the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.