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In 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 an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side lost by two points.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments the best."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.