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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.