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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a first win over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.