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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to assist England secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried 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 include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

Having started England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.