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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted 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, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.