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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the hosts close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

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

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.