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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home for the first time since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, surging to a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left within him.