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

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot 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 had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period 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. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle with those moments the best."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a league contest conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.