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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist England secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

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

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly during the match, surging to a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that there is plenty of play remaining within him.