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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

Both kicks came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining for him.