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During November 2024, England fly-half George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

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

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

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