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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support England complete an historic victory against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, especially George," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left in him.