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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

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

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.