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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, building a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia 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 spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of rugby left for him.