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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

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

Following his start in England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.