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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist England secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team were beaten by two points.

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

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew if we started the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.