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During November 2024, English number 10 George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest occurring during difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

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

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his position.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.