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

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.