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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.