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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.