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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of strong showings, notably in the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly during the match, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations the best."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left within him.