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In November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had 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 include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left within him.