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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts complete an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

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

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of rugby left for him.