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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost by two points.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

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