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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

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

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.