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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on 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 veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and rightly so since three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.