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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side complete an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

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

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.