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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

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

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining for him.