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During November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the hosts close out an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.