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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England secure a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.