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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help England complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 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 convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.