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In November 2024, England fly-half George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.