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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt 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 England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.