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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

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

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.