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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help England close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as England lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks started quickly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining for him.