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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks 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 drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, 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 established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.