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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty 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 achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments the best."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.