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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [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, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

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

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.