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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.