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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to support England secure an historic victory facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side lost by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are privileged to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the superior method to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently advising me, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

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

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.