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

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.