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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

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