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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker George Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England secure an historic victory against New Zealand, however missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood if we started the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left for him.