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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.