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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

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