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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left in him.