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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour 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 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, 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 - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead within him.