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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help England complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This enabled the English overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our strategy and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession as the fly-half who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

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

Ford guided England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.