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In November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help England complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and appropriately since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to discover whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining in him.