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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to earn another opportunity to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 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 decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

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

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.