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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

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

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.