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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to support the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George entered and performed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Each effort occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and appropriately as three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.