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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist England complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.