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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support England close out a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

The two attempts came within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.