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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

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

"A kick hit the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - 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 at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.